MFF mid-term review is a missed opportunity

Sinn Féin MEP Liadh Ní Riada has described the Multi Annual Financial Framework Review (MFF), which was voted on in Strasbourg today, as a missed opportunity.

The Ireland South MEP said the review could have been a catalyst for real change in the Parliament and heralded a return to the social partnership the European Union was originally intended to be.

“What was needed in this review was a sea change in priorities; this has not happened. Making the same mistakes of the past will only create the same outcomes and lead to further disillusionment towards the EU

“Youth unemployment is still a huge issue across Europe. Disenchantment from young people towards the European Institutions is growing because Europe is not doing what it was set up to do – provide a platform for social progress.

“Given the recent toxic Brexit vote, this review was a chance to take stock and address the real fears that people have about the EU.

“Europe needs to change. The needs and concerns of the people must be put first. This, like in so many other reviews, has not happened and that is a mistake.

“If we are going to build a better Europe, then a different road needs to be taken. Political leadership and courage is needed to direct us towards a Europe that will deliver for all of its people. A Europe that will deliver real social progress in areas of health, housing education and employment.

“This is the purpose that the EU was set up for. Instead it has become a vehicle to serve big business first and people second. It sees increased spending on borders, military and security while social programmes are cut. This is wrong, it must end and people’s faith in Europe must be restored.”